Reflection

I love Christmas. I have always loved Christmas. For as long as I can remember it has always been my favorite holiday, and favorite day of the entire year. As a child, it was the excitement of waking up on Christmas morning to presents under the tree, and as I grew older it was the excitement of school coming to an end for the semester and getting to spend much needed time with the people that I love.

That is part of what this season is about: spending time with loved ones, reflection, being thankful, giving, and being still.

The Christmas season has become so busy and so hectic. A common phrase you hear is, “I’m just trying to get through the holidays.” How has a time that is supposed to be so precious, turned into one that so many wish away? It’s become so easy to get caught up in the craziness of the holidays and forget what the season is truly about. We become hyper-focused on finding the perfect gift, attending every Christmas party, baking that perfect Pinterest dessert, or making sure that your children are dressed in perfect coordinating Christmas outfits for the school program. But what if we took the time that we often spend stressing and worrying about these minor things, to pause and just enjoy.

Spend that time with your loved ones. You’re allowed to sit and enjoy yourself. You don’t have to go to Christmas party #87 or bake that extra dessert. The world will still go on if you don’t find that perfect present for your sister.

God loves you as you are. He sent His Son for you. Take the time to be still and reflect on that.

So as this Christmas season comes to a close, I pray that you felt this and that you are able to take it into this coming new year.

So as I sit here in my pajama pants, drinking my tea, and staring out the window wondering how on earth my little Honda is going to make it through this Michigan blizzard to my destination tonight, I also need to remind myself to be still. To take a second to breathe.